Skunk tests positive for rabies in Monterey County
The county of Monterey announced Monday that a striped skunk has tested positive for rabies. The skunk was found on Sept. 4 near Blackie Road and Rolling Meadows Lane. Hitchcock Animal Services investigated the incident and found that there was exposure to owned pet(s). Those pet(s) were quarantined. No potential human exposure has been identified at this time, per the County of Monterey. Pet owners are reminded to visit veterinarians regularly and keep up with rabies shots.Owners are asked to take the following precautions:Owners should avoid leaving their pets outside unattended, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife can be most active.Owners of domestic livestock species such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle should discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarian as these species are also susceptible to rabies infections from rabid wild animals.Residents should avoid leaving pet food and water outside because it encourages wildlife activity around the home.People should avoid contact with wildlife, particularly skunks and bats, at all times. Do not touch or approach animals acting strangely. If any wild animals are found dead, acting abnormally or ill, or if you think you or your pets have been exposed to rabies, contact Monterey County Animal Services at 831-769-8850 or your local animal control agency.More Coverage | Fox and skunk test positive for rabies in SalinasFor more information on the rabies virus, you can call the county of Monterey Health Department’s Communicable Disease Unit at 831-755-4521 or click here.
The county of Monterey announced Monday that a striped skunk has tested positive for rabies.
The skunk was found on Sept. 4 near Blackie Road and Rolling Meadows Lane.
Hitchcock Animal Services investigated the incident and found that there was exposure to owned pet(s). Those pet(s) were quarantined.
No potential human exposure has been identified at this time, per the County of Monterey.
Pet owners are reminded to visit veterinarians regularly and keep up with rabies shots.
Owners are asked to take the following precautions:
- Owners should avoid leaving their pets outside unattended, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife can be most active.
- Owners of domestic livestock species such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle should discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarian as these species are also susceptible to rabies infections from rabid wild animals.
- Residents should avoid leaving pet food and water outside because it encourages wildlife activity around the home.
- People should avoid contact with wildlife, particularly skunks and bats, at all times. Do not touch or approach animals acting strangely. If any wild animals are found dead, acting abnormally or ill, or if you think you or your pets have been exposed to rabies, contact Monterey County Animal Services at 831-769-8850 or your local animal control agency.
More Coverage | Fox and skunk test positive for rabies in Salinas
For more information on the rabies virus, you can call the county of Monterey Health Department’s Communicable Disease Unit at 831-755-4521 or click here.
